MEDIA RELEASE

A 35-year-old Kamuela man is back in the Kona police cellblock after escaping from police custody Sunday morning (May 27).

David Kaleikao Scheper was being held at the cellblock in lieu of $1,000 bail for a contempt of court charge when he complained of feeling ill. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital to be examined for his ailment. He requested to use the bathroom and, while doing so, climbed through a false ceiling at around 10 a.m. and exited the hospital, still wearing leg restraints.

Police searched the area and found him at within 150 yards of the hospital at 2 p.m.. He was taken back into custody. In addition to the original charge, he was arrested for second-degree escape, which is a Class C felony. He has not been charged with that offense.

Detectives from the West Hawaii Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.